You might not think that Edinburgh has much need for beer gardens, but when it’s a sunny day in the capital there’s absolutely no better place to be. Thanks to the historic buildings, beer gardens in Edinburgh can be found in all sorts of unique and unusual places. We’ve compiled a list of 23 of the best beer gardens to be found across the city, mostly located in the city centre, with one or two outliers. And we’re always on the lookout for more, so if you have a favourite not found here, let us know!
Note: Due to current circumstances we’d advise checking opening times and the circumstances of each place on their website or social media before visiting.
The Cumberland Bar, New Town
1-3 Cumberland St, Edinburgh EH3 6RT
A classic pub complete with a beer garden, set amongst the Georgian Houses of New Town Edinburgh. The relaxed atmosphere is family and dog friendly, and they offer great pub food too. They also offer a wide range of craft ales and have a regular guest spot for those keen to try something new.
Website and Facebook
The Blackbird, Tollcross
37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LH
If you were walking past the Blackbird you’d have no idea that there’s a spacious beer garden out the back. The all-over decking makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a friends backyard rather than an Edinburgh beer garden, and the colourful decor and fairy lights give it a relaxed and comfortable feel. Especially known for their cocktails which you can grab from their mini outdoor bar.
Website and Facebook
The Beehive Inn, Grassmarket
18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
The Beehive is home to another beer garden in Edinburgh that you would have no idea exists from the outside. As well as multiple indoor levels to this Grassmarket pub, there’s also three levels of beer garden, including an outdoor bar and heaters for chillier days. You’re sure to visit the Grassmarket even if you’re only spending a couple of days in Edinburgh, so put this one in your list!
Website and Facebook
The Three Sisters, Cowgate
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS
Located in the historic Cowgate area of central Edinburgh and a favourite of tourists and locals alike. The Three Sisters has a large outdoor area with picnic tables and a huge TV to showcase sports events on, plus they run lots of events and have great drinks deals too.
Website and Facebook
The Pear Tree, Southside
38 W Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9DD
The Southside area is popular with students, although everyone is welcome, and the Pear Tree pub is no exception, filling up quickly on summer days. The 18th-century pub has plenty of picnic tables in their leafy courtyard, as well as a huge TV screen to keep the punters happy when there are big matches on.
Website and Facebook
The Raeburn, Stockbridge
112 Raeburn Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1HG
The Raeburn, a former Georgian home turned boutique hotel pub, can be found at the heart of Stockbridge. The large beer garden has plenty of wooden tables and benches and shade for those sunny days. Yes, the sun does shine (sometimes) in Scotland! It’s a family-friendly space, albeit on the pricier side than some of the other Edinburgh beer gardens on the list. But they do offer grilled food all day too, to give you that summery BBQ atmosphere.
Website and Facebook
Teuchter’s Landing, The Shore
1c Dock Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LU
Teuchter’s Landing is somewhat of an Edinburgh hidden gem located just near The Shore in Leith, and I’m sure the locals would love to keep it that way! The classic pub located right on the canal in what used to be the waiting room for the Leith to Aberdeen steam ferry and part of the sunny outdoor area is on a floating pontoon. Get in early to grab a table because it fills up on for after-work drinks and sunny weekends. Inside you’ll find an extensive whisky collection and you can play a ring toss game to try and secure a tasting. They also have free sunscreen at the bar.
Website and Facebook
Cold Town House, Grassmarket
4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
The newest addition on the Edinburgh beer garden list, this Grassmarket bar has arguably the best view of them all. The rooftop terrace offers views of Edinburgh Castle, which you can enjoy from the wooden tables or the gondola booths. On the floors below, you’ll find a Pizza and Prosecco bar and their very own Cold Town Beer brewery. Cosying up on the rooftop is perfect thing for couples to do in Edinburgh or for groups of friends of course!
Website and Facebook
The Royal Dick, Summerhall
Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Part of the former veterinary school that is Summerhall, The Royal Dick is in good company with the Pickerings Gin Distillery and the Barney’s Beer Brewery. The courtyard boasts several picnic tables where you can people watch and enjoy a drink or two.
Website and Facebook
The Outhouse, New Town
12A Broughton St Ln, Edinburgh EH1 3LY
The arty Outhouse bar is near the popular Broughton Street area and is known for its Scottish beers and cocktails. But also for its fabulous beer garden that caters for the Scottish weather, complete with shelter and outdoor heaters. Live music and DJ’s are often on show too.
Star Bar, New Town
1 Northumberland Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6LQ
Located on a quiet New Town street, this “dive bar with spirit” as they call themselves, is worth the visit, especially if you can grab a seat in their small south-facing beer garden. Their foosball table and old-school jukebox are popular draw cards as well as live music and big-screen projectors for watching films.
Website and Facebook
The Canny Man’s, Morningside
237 Morningside Rd, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4QU
An Edinburgh institution that’s been open since 1871. This family-run bar is well known for it’s Bloody Mary, which is said to be the best hangover cure in the whole of Edinburgh and beyond. They also have a good-sized beer garden where you can relax in the sun and order their classic menu of SMØRREBRØD sandwiches and seafood.
Website and Facebook
Akva, Fountainbridge
129 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
This Swedish inspired bar and restaurant is located in Fountainbridge next to the Union Canal. As well as a large indoor area they have plenty of tables out the back overlooking the canal. Popular with the brunch crowd and family-friendly too!
Website and Facebook
Indigo Yard, West End
7 Charlotte Ln, Edinburgh EH2 4QZ
This West End restaurant and bar has a rustic yet stylish atmosphere and is a great space to hang out with friends throughout the day or night, especially in their front courtyard area. The menu offers Scottish and Asian fusion and celebrates local produce, plus they have a large selection of beer, wine, and gin, with delicious cocktails on offer too.
Website and Facebook
Rose Street Garden, Rose Street
14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Another new kid on the block, the Rose Street Garden offers street food and a “gin garden” in the heart of Edinburgh. Their leafy courtyard is open from May until September and features comfy couches as well as plenty of tables and chairs to host those looking for live music sessions, delicious street food and different cocktails and beverages based on who they’re partnering with.
Website and Facebook
The Scottish Engineer, Telford
76 Telford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 2NF
Paying tribute to Scotland’s engineering history, this pub and restaurant on Telford Road is just one of a few beer gardens we’re featuring that aren’t located in the centre of town. Hanging above the bar is a train track with a model steam train, and cocktails are regularly served with dry ice. There are lots of different seating areas and it’s intended to be a family-friendly community pub. The extensive beer garden comes complete with heaters, often necessary in the Scottish weather!
Website and Facebook
56 North, Southside
2 W Crosscauseway, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9JP
56 North has more of a large outdoor area reminiscent of European bars than a typical beer garden, but we think they deserve a spot on the list of Edinburgh’s beer gardens, thanks to their extensive list of gins to enjoy in the sun. They also offer gin masterclasses and food made from local produce.
Website and Facebook
The Pitt, Leith
125 Pitt St, Edinburgh EH6 4DE
The Pitt is more known as a street food market than an Edinburgh beer garden, but given their extensive outdoor area filled with street food trucks and a bar, we’re going to claim it. They offer a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the summer months, showcasing independent street food sellers and live music sessions. It’s £2 to enter but worth it for the vibe!
Website and Facebook
The Sun Inn, Dalkeith
Lothian Bridge, Newbattle, Dalkeith EH22 4TR
The furthest away listing from central Edinburgh, technically in Dalkeith, but we had to feature the Sun Inn because we love the food and atmosphere and they have a large outdoor space that overlooks a leafy garden and the River Esk.
Website and Facebook
Want to know more about Edinburgh? Check out these posts:
- 9 Lesser Known Hidden Gems in Edinburgh
- 25+ Romantic Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples
- 15 Beaches to Visit Near Edinburgh
- Edinburgh in Winter: Things to Do + Reasons to Visit
- Haunted Edinburgh: Spooky + Spine-Chilling Attractions
- Harry Potter in Edinburgh: The Top Locations + Self-Guided Tour Map
- Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in Spring
Hopefully you’ve discovered some new beer gardens in Edinburgh to try out this summer, and if you know of any others, be sure to let us know!
Sonja & Phil x
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